Tourist Mauls Beloved Maui Monk Seal With Rock, Then Gets Beaten Up On Camera (Video)

Vile behavior spread across the internet, yesterday, as scenes of a man throwing a large rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui began to circulate.

The man was reportedly found, following the incident, and some citizen justice was issued. “He got what he deserved,” the video says. “He threw a big ass rock at a sea lion [sic] and proceeded to say, ‘I’m rich. I can pay the fines.’ On top of that, he shoved my girlfriend.” Meanwhile, an unidentified gentleman begins wailing on him. Watch here.

In addition to the community retribution, however, government officials are looking to take legal action against the offender as well. Here’s Maui Mayor.

“By now, we’ve all heard about the disturbing incident against our friend, Lani, the Hawaiian monk seal,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Like many in our community, I was shocked by what happened. Lani is not just a seal to us; she is part of our ocean Ohana in Lahaina. Many of our residents know her, watch over her, and care deeply about her.”

As for the citizen justice, he appeared to approve. Mayor Bissen continued:

“I want to mahalo everyone who stepped in, protected her, and reported this unacceptable behavior. As Mayor, I not only have a responsibility to protect the people of Maui County, but also the wildlife and animals that share these islands with us.”

He added:

“Let me be clear: this is not the type of visitor we welcome on Maui. Behavior like this will not be tolerated. I assure you that I will see to it personally that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, whether at the County, State, or Federal level. There must be consequences. Lani, we have your back.”

What might that look like? Per Hawaii’s Department of Land and Resources:

“Violations could result in federal criminal charges up to $50,000 and/or time in jail.”